Antispermatogenic activity of 1-p. chlorobenzyl-1H indazol-3-carboxylic acid (AF 1312/TS) in rats. III. A light and electron microscopic study after single oral doses.

The modifications of the seminiferous epithelium at short time intervals after the administration of a single dose of 1-p. chlorobenzyl-1H-indazol-3-carboxylic acid, AF $\text{1312}\text{TS}$, have been sequentially studied in prepuberal and adult rats. $\text{AF 1312}\text{TS}$ is a new chemical compound with a selective antispermatogenic activity. Alterations of the seminiferous epithelium are observable within 24 hours after drug administration. The germ cells affected are primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids at various stages of their differentiation. Numerous nuclear and cytoplasmic aspects of the damage are illustrated. Early cytoplasmic and nuclear alterations are also observable in the Sertoli cells. The lesions of the germinal epithelium increase gradually and 5 days after the treatment numerous tubules show a conspicuous reduction of the germ cell number. Spermatogonia do not display cytologic alterations. The possibility is discussed that the Sertoli cells play a key role in the antispermatogenic action of $\text{AF 1312}\text{TS}$.